The die is cast. If we do not act now, rising temperatures will endanger crops, freshwater reserves, energy security and even our health. We talked to World Bank environmental specialist Daniel Mira-Salama... Show More + about the challenges we are facing and the measures we can take to mitigate global warming.Question: What is the purpose of the Turn Down the Heat report series?Response: This innovative report series has been well received because it seats the scientific community and the development community at the same table. It brings together the latest knowledge on climate science and impacts with consequences for development. The first report warned us that if we do not act immediately, the future impact of climate change could minimize all progress made in human development in recent years. The other two reports closely examine climate change impacts and their development implications by region.Q: What is the added value of the third report?R: This third report uses the latest sci Show Less -

Protecting a non-renewable resourceJust 2.5% of the world’s water can be used. This water is found in rivers, lakes and snow peaks, among other locations. As demand for water increases, cities are forced... Show More + to depend on sources located further away. These sources are also more expensive to exploit.Agriculture uses approximately 70% of the world’s consumable water. If the global population reaches nine billion by 2050, we will need an even larger share of the supply to meet demand for food.Learning to reuse water, especially in the agricultural sector, is key for responding to the crisis. Unfortunately, up to 90% of untreated wastewater in developing countries flows directly into rivers, lakes and coastal waters. According to World Bank experts, in Latin America, three-fourths of fecal or wastewater returns to the rivers and other water sources, creating a serious health and environmental problem.Water treatment plants such as the Taboada Plant in Lima have become an importa Show Less -